The event designed to promote the already existing ties that binds Ankara and Banjul, drew diplomats, high profile dignitaries and media with entertainment being provided by a local balafon kora star.
Speaking to journalists at the event, H. E. F. Turker OBA, ambassador of Turkiye to The Gambia, acknowledged that there are some days that are well-known while others are not. However, in Turkish culture, breakfast is crucial.
Ambassador Oba also noted that in every country people eat differently and for them breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
“So, it is also a moment of celebration where people come to chat and promote togetherness. It is a social event as well.”
So, it is in view of this fact that he said, they convened the event to share this important day with their Gambian friends and also colleagues of the embassy.
“Every culture has its place in the world and that there is no better culture, inferior or superior culture. So, we’re trying to show Turkish culture to the Gambian public, may be not today, we are also trying to showcase Gambian cultures to our people. Whenever we have the opportunity, we put in the pipeline to showcase Gambian cultures.”
Ambassador Oba recalled that few months ago they had some people from the Anatolia News Agency, who he said, did a documentary on The Gambia.
“So, our approach to Africa is how we can develop our ties at equal level and respecting each other.”
Since the opening of its embassy in The Gambia in 2011, the two countries have been committed to developing and expanding bilateral relations in a wider spectrum and this also includes cultural ties.
“So, it is a way to present to our brothers and sisters what we do and how we like it. And hopefully, one day we will see the other side as well as when you invite us to your breakfast for example.”
He underscored the importance of food in nurturing relations, adding that the latter helps people to forge social ties and even open-up doors for greater collaboration.
The Turkish diplomat spoke of his resolve to make the event an annual gathering in their quest to promote and expand the relations between the two countries.
Meanwhile, in recent times, there has been significant increase among Turkish community in The Gambia. In view of this, some investors are planning to invest in the food and gastronomic sector to serve this growing population.
Shedding light on this, Dennis Elverir of ALC Green Energy, a renewal energy company based in The Gambia, explained that this is another project designed to better serve both their Gambian brothers and sisters and the growing Turkish population in The Gambia.
This soon-to-be-launched restaurant to be situated around ‘Turn-table’ formerly Blue Kitchen will be one stop restaurant for all those interested in Turkish cuisines and delights.
The cooks, he said, will be coming from Turkey and that the initiative will be the first of its kind in the country.
This Turkish restaurant will also have special offers with Sundays dedicated to Turkish Breakfast Day, where they intend to promote Turkish gastronomy and culture to the Gambian public.
